How to install GUI on CentOS 8 / RHEL 8 Minimal Linux server

Have you installed CentOS 8 Command-line version and want to install the Graphical user interface on that? Then here are the commands to follow.

CentOS is one of the dominated open-source operating systems that used by millions of hosting environments; to deploy various kinds of servers such s web and database. However, if you are new to the command line then you would be struggling. Therefore, it will be a great idea to start with a Graphical user interface to learn and become a master of this Linux.

Moreover, even advanced users sometimes need a Graphical desktop environment to handle various processes easily. Therefore, if you are a one who is using RHEL 8 or CentOS 8 Server or workstation without GUI and don’t want to install a new one. Then follow this tutorial.

Install GUI Gnome on CentOS 8 or Redhat 8

Just like while installing a fresh copy of CentOS, an option appears to choose available GUI packages; in the same way, we can install it later as well. Apart from Gnome, this tutorial also covers the installation of KDE, select the one as per your choice. Here we will show the commands for both.

Step 1. Update CentOS 8 Packages

# dnf update -y
or
# yum update

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Step 2. List available environment groups

Check package group list for GNOME GUI Packages:

# dnf grouplist

Example output:

# dnf grouplist
Available Environment Groups:
   Server with GUI
   Server
   Workstation
   KDE Plasma Workspaces
   Virtualization Host
   Custom Operating System
Installed Environment Groups:
   Minimal Install
Installed Groups:
   Container Management
   Headless Management
Available Groups:
   .NET Core Development
   RPM Development Tools
   Development Tools
   Graphical Administration Tools
   Legacy UNIX Compatibility
   Network Servers
   Scientific Support
   Security Tools
   Smart Card Support
   System Tools
   Fedora Packager

Step 3. Installing Gnome Desktop environment

If you intended to install Gnome GUI then under the available environment group you can see two packages:
“Server with GUI” and “Workstation“.
Those have installed the command-line server environment, use this command:

# dnf groupinstall "Server with GUI"

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However, for workstation deployment use this command:

# dnf group install "Workstation"

Step 4. Set system to Graphical mode

Execute the following command if you want to boot your system in GUI mode-

# systemctl set-default graphical

and then reboot the system by using –

# reboot

Conclusion

You have successfully installed the GNOME desktop environment on CentOS 8. Now if you want to say something on this topic then write us in the comments below.